Alternative Treatment
Getting a breath of fresh air or getting away from whatever is causing the nausea can solve the problem. Eating olives or crackers or sucking on a lemon can calm the stomach by absorbing acid and excess fluid. Coke syrup is another proven anti-emetic remedy. Vomiting relieves nausea immediately but can cause dehydration. Sipping clear juices, weak tea, and some sports drinks help replace lost fluid and minerals without irritating the stomach. Food should be reintroduced gradually, beginning with small amounts of dry, bland food like crackers and toast.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback uses exercise and deep relaxation to control nausea.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is increasingly regarded as a useful adjunct to treating nausea. A growing body of literature shows that acupuncture is effective in treating nausea associated with pregnancy, surgery, and chemotherapy for cancer. The most effective acupuncture point for nausea appears to be PC-6. A few patients, however, may experience temporary nausea as a side effect of acupuncture. It is not considered a serious side effect.
Acupressure
Acupressure (applying pressure to specific areas of the body) may be helpful in reducing nausea and vomiting and relaxes the gastrointestinal tract. Acupressure can be applied by wearing a special wristband or by applying firm pressures to the:
• back of the jawbone
• webbing between the thumb and index finger
• top of the foot
• inside of the wrist
• base of the rib cage
Nutritional therapy
• Re-hydration. It is very important to replace fluid loss through prolonged vomiting. However, patients should take fluid in slowly to prevent shock to the body. Fruit juice or soup are even better than plain water because they also contain glucose and salt, which may also be deficient.
• Avoid eating solids right away. Patients should wait until the body has enough rests and the stomach has a chance to settle down before starting on solid foods.
• Bland foods. To avoid overworking the digestive system too soon, patients should resume eating with bland food such as toast or yogurt. In addition, they should not try to eat too much right away, as this also stresses out the digestive system.
• Lactaid. Lactaid helps prevent upset stomach in persons allergic to milk.
Herbal treatments
There are several herbal remedies that can help alleviate short bouts of nausea and vomiting.
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) or lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) tea may relieve symptoms.
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a very effective herbal remedy for nausea, can be drunk as tea or taken as candy or powered capsules. Ginger has been shown in several studies to relieve morning sickness associated with pregnancy.
• Peppermint tea is effective in alleviating nausea and vomiting associated with indigestion.
• Stomach tea, a combination of anise seed, fennel, peppermint and thyme, is a good herbal treatment for gas.
• Strong green tea can stop nausea especially if it is caused by eating spoiled foods.
Homeopathy
Depending on a patient’s specific condition, a homeopathic practitioner may prescribe one of the following remedies: Arsenicum album, Carbo vegetabilis, Ignatia, homeopathic ipecac, and Nux vomica.
Aromatherapy
Peppermint or lavender oil when inhaled, calms the body and reduces nausea and vomiting.
Prevention
Massage, meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques can help prevent stress-induced nausea. Anti-nausea medication taken before traveling can prevent motion sickness. Sitting in the front seat, focusing on the horizon, and traveling after dark can also minimize symptoms. Food should be fresh, properly prepared, and eaten slowly. Overeating, tight-fitting clothes, and strenuous activity immediately after a meal should be avoided.
